What Is the GDYO Parents Guild?

The GDYO Parent’s Guild is a Social Network of Parent Members whose participation

in Guild initiatives enhances the quality of the GDYO program in the following ways:

• Invite incoming parents of GDYO musicians to join the Guild and through
  membership provide a powerful show of unity, involvement and activity that
  attracts significant donations from corporations, foundations, grants and individual
  benefactors.
• Partner with GDYO operational and artistic staff to support the program through
  planned activities such as social events, merchandise offerings, and committee
  memberships.
• Identify and fund essential elements and activities that enhance the GDYO
  experience for student musicians. 
• Provide leadership for social events and meaningful experiences that foster
  friendships and networking bonds among parents of talented musicians.
• Create and uphold a team structure to plan and execute Guild projects in an
  efficient, balanced, enjoyable and inclusive manner for all involved.

In 2019-20, the Guild raised over $40,000 in family memberships and saw additional contributions through merchandise sales (T shirts, CDs, photos, etc.), and for 20-21 our goal is simple:  to have 100% parent participation in the Guild regardless of membership size.  The Parents Guild has grown to become GDYO’s single largest contributor, and a significant resource through our volunteerism.

In recent seasons, Guild activities and support for GDYO included:

• Purchase of instruments and music folders for use by GDYO musicians.
• Organization, distribution and sale of Guild merchandise (photos, T Shirts, and more) for fundraising to support GDYO; Guild volunteers also staffed fundraising sales tables at concerts and parent meetings.
• Annual contributions to Tour and Scholarship Funds, including support for the August 2017 Flute Choir Trip.
• Organized and hosted dinners and social events.
• Sponsored the Richard Giangiulio Artist Development Scholarship.
• Treats to celebrate first and last rehearsals for the students.
• Volunteers who staffed rehearsal break snack service for students each week.
• Purchase of the annual GDYO membership patches given to all musicians.
• Purchase of lapel pins for seniors to wear at year-end concerts for graduation recognition.
• Parents also participate in strategic committees such as the Planning, Alumni, Development and Outreach Committees.

How can your Family participate?  

Become a Member and find a place to volunteer – GDYO needs our support now more than ever!

Thank you for supporting GDYO through your membership in the Parent’s Guild!